Mexico's Foreign Relations Department has approved the extradition of convicted drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman to the United States.

The department said in a statement Friday that the US has provided 'adequate guarantees' that Guzman would not face the death penalty.

Mexico has abolished capital punishment and does not extradite its citizens if they face possible execution.

The process can still be appealed, meaning it could be weeks or months before the Sinaloa cartel leader may be sent to the US, where he is wanted in multiple jurisdictions on charges related to drug trafficking and organized crime.

Mexico's Foreign Relations Department ruled Friday that the extradition of convicted drug lord Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman (pictured) to the United States can go forward

The US has provided 'adequate guarantees' that Guzman would not face the death penalty. Mexico has abolished capital punishment and does not extradite its citizens if they face possible execution

Guzman's lawyers now have 30 days to appeal the decision.

Friday's ruling covered an extradition request from a Texas federal court related to charges of conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine and marijuana, money-laundering, arms possession and murder, and another extradition request from a federal court in California.

In all, Guzman faces charges from seven US federal prosecutors including in Chicago, New York, Miami and San Diego.